In the early hours of Friday, 28 March, an LNER Azuma train completed a test run between Leeds and London St Pancras, marking the first time the service has operated on this route.
The trial is part of efforts to explore alternative routes for LNER services when sections of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) are closed for engineering works. A 9-car bi-mode Azuma (unit no. 800108) departed from Leeds, diverted from the ECML at Doncaster, joined the Midland Main Line at Chesterfield, and concluded its journey at London St Pancras. LNER teams conducted safety and validation checks before the train returned north.
Further work would be required before customer services could operate on this route, but the trial represents a step towards providing additional travel options during periods of disruption.
Mark Smith, Development Engineer at LNER, stated: “While planned engineering work is vital in delivering infrastructure upgrades and keeping the rail network safe, it can be disruptive to customer journeys. With this test, LNER is looking at how it can keep its customers on the move and minimise disruption to journeys when engineering work is being carried out.”
He added: “There is still work to be done, but this is an encouraging development for future service options.”
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